If you’re thinking about doing a PhD in the UK, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is very practical: do you get paid to do a PhD in the UK?
The short answer is yes — but not in the way many people expect. PhD students are usually not employees, so they don’t receive a traditional salary, and their income is typically described as a stipend rather than pay. Add to that conflicting advice online, outdated figures, and differences between funding routes, and it’s easy to feel confused before you’ve even started your application.
This guide explains, in plain terms, how PhD pay in the UK actually works. We’ll look at whether PhD students get paid, how much they typically receive, how students often top up their income, and what happens financially after obtaining a PhD. If you’re trying to decide whether a PhD is feasible — or simply want clarity before applying — this article will help you make an informed decision.
Do You Get Paid to Do a PhD in the UK?
Yes, most PhD students in the UK are paid, provided they are enrolled on a funded PhD. However, this payment is almost always in the form of a stipend, not a salary.
A PhD is officially classified as training, not employment, meaning that PhD students are not employees of the university, even though they may teach, publish research, and contribute significantly to academic life. Instead of wages, funded PhD students receive financial support intended to cover living costs while they complete their research.
It’s important to distinguish between different situations:
- Funded PhDs usually include a fixed stipend and tuition fees.
- Self-funded PhDs do not pay students at all — students cover fees and living costs themselves.
- Industrial or employer-linked PhDs may involve an employment contract and a salary, but these are less common.
So when people ask “do PhD students get paid?”, the accurate answer is: yes, if your PhD is funded — but you are not salaried in the traditional sense.
PhD Stipend vs PhD Salary: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a PhD stipend and a PhD salary is central to understanding PhD pay in the UK.
A PhD stipend is a fixed, regular payment designed to support you while you complete your doctoral research. It is not linked to hours worked, performance targets, or employment rights. Instead, it recognises that a PhD is full-time training requiring sustained academic focus.
PhD Stipends
Most UK PhD stipends:
- Are tax-free
- Are paid monthly or quarterly
- Cover basic living costs
- Come with tuition fees paid separately
PhD Salaries
A PhD salary, on the other hand, implies employment. Salaried PhD students usually:
- Have an employment contract
- Pay tax and National Insurance
- Have formal working hours and duties
Salaried PhDs are most common in industrial partnerships, employer-sponsored doctorates, or specific doctoral training programmes. However, they remain the exception rather than the rule.
A more detailed breakdown of funding types can be found in our thorough guide to PhD Funding in the UK, which explains how different funders structure financial support and what that means in practice.
How Much Is the PhD Stipend in the UK?
So, how much do PhD students get paid in the UK?
UK PhD stipends are relatively standardised, particularly those funded by national research councils (UKRI). While exact amounts change over time, most funded PhDs offer a modest but predictable income intended to cover essential living costs rather than replicate a graduate salary.
Several factors can affect how much a PhD student receives:
- Funding body: Research council funding, university scholarships, and charitable trusts may offer slightly different levels of support.
- Location: London-based PhDs might include London weighting allowance to reflect increased living costs.
- Funding model: Some programmes include additional allowances for research expenses, travel, or training.
It’s worth noting that stipends are designed to allow students to study full-time without needing excessive paid work alongside their research. However, they are not generous by professional standards, and most students need to budget carefully.
PhD Salary in the UK Per Month: What Does That Actually Look Like?
Although people often talk about a “PhD salary”, PhD students in the UK are usually paid monthly instalments of a stipend, not a wage. For most UKRI-funded PhDs, this stipend is paid consistently across the funded period (typically three years), which means your income is stable and predictable, even if it isn’t especially high.
Using UKRI funding as an example, PhD stipends for the 2024–25 academic year sit at just over £19,000 per year outside London, with a higher rate of just over £21,000 in London. Paid monthly, this works out at roughly £1,600–£1,700 net per month, depending on where you are based.
Because this is a stipend rather than a salary:
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The amount is usually fixed for the duration of funding
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Payments are the same each month or each quarter
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There are no deductions for tax or National Insurance
In practical terms, that monthly income needs to cover all your everyday living costs, including:
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Rent and household bills
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Food and transport
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Personal expenses
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Any research-related costs not covered separately by your funder or department
Location makes a significant difference here. A UKRI stipend may feel relatively manageable in some cities, but much tighter in others — particularly in London or areas with high rental costs.
Understanding what PhD funding looks like month by month is crucial, especially if you have dependants, existing financial commitments, or are relocating for your doctorate.
Can PhD Students Earn Extra Money Alongside Their Stipend?
Yes — many PhD students supplement their stipend with additional paid work, and in most cases this is both expected and permitted.
Common academic roles include:
- Teaching assistantships
- Demonstrating in seminars or labs
- Marking undergraduate work
- Occasional research assistance
These roles are usually well aligned with PhD study and can provide valuable teaching experience alongside extra income.
You could also consider non-academic part-time jobs, particularly during financially tight periods. Universities usually place limits on the number of hours PhD students are allowed to work per week, to ensure research progress isn’t compromised. However, international students may face additional visa restrictions.
If you’re considering this route, it’s worth thinking carefully about balance. While extra income can ease financial pressure, excessive paid work can slow research progress and increase stress or even lead to burnout.
For a realistic overview of suitable options, our blog post 10 Best Part-Time Jobs for PhD Students explores roles that tend to fit best around doctoral study.
Fellowships, Grants, and Alternative Ways PhD Students Get Paid
Beyond standard stipends, some PhD students receive funding through fellowships or grants, particularly in later stages of their doctorate or immediately afterwards.
Fellowships differ from stipends in several ways:
- They are often more competitive
- They may offer greater flexibility
- They are closely tied to research independence and career development
Some fellowships support students while they complete their PhD, while others fund early postdoctoral research. In both cases, they signal strong academic potential and can significantly enhance a CV.
Grants, meanwhile, may not replace a stipend but can support specific activities such as:
- Fieldwork
- Conference travel
- Specialist training
What Happens After the PhD? Starting Salary After a PhD in the UK
And how about after your PhD? Another common concern is the starting salary after a PhD in the UK. The reality is mixed and highly dependent on what you will be doing after your PhD.
In academia, most graduates move into:
- Postdoctoral research roles
- Fixed-term fellowships
- Teaching-focused contracts
These roles usually pay more than a PhD stipend but are often temporary and competitive. Long-term academic stability takes time and persistence.
Outside academia, PhD graduates enter a wide range of sectors, including:
- Industry research and development
- Policy and government
- Consulting
- Data analysis and specialist roles
In these contexts, a PhD can command higher starting salaries, particularly where advanced research skills are valued. However, outcomes vary significantly by discipline, sector, and location.
If you’re weighing up these trade-offs, our article Is a PhD Worth It? explores the broader financial and personal considerations involved in pursuing doctoral study.
Will a PhD Help Me Get a Better Job?
Does a doctorate actually improve your job prospects in the long run? The honest answer is: it depends on what you want to do next.
A PhD is not a guaranteed route to higher pay across all sectors, particularly in the short term. In academia, career progression can be slow and competitive, and early roles after the PhD are often fixed-term. However, for careers that value advanced research skills — such as industry R&D, data analysis, policy, consultancy, or specialist professional roles — a PhD can significantly strengthen your profile.
More broadly, a PhD develops skills that many employers actively seek, including independent research, critical analysis, project management, and the ability to work with complex information. Whether those skills translate into a “better job” depends on how clearly you can articulate their value, and how well your PhD aligns with your chosen career path. Thinking about employability early — not just funding — is an important part of deciding whether a PhD is the right next step for you.
Understanding PhD Pay Before You Apply
So, do you get paid to do a PhD in the UK? Yes — but through structured financial support rather than a conventional salary. Most funded PhD students receive a tax-free stipend that covers basic living costs, with opportunities to earn extra income through teaching or part-time work.
A PhD can be intellectually rewarding and professionally valuable — but only when entered into with clear expectations about finances.
FAQs: PhD Pay and Funding in the UK
Do PhD students get paid in the UK?
Yes. Most funded PhD students receive a stipend, although this is not a salary.
Is a PhD stipend taxable in the UK?
No. PhD stipends are usually tax-free because they are classed as training grants.
How much do PhD students get paid per month in the UK?
PhD stipends are typically paid monthly and provide a modest but stable income rather than a full salary.
Do all PhD students receive a stipend?
No. Only funded PhDs include stipends. Self-funded students do not receive payment.
Do you pay council tax when doing a PhD?
In most cases, no — full-time PhD students in the UK do not pay council tax. If you are registered as a full-time student, you are usually exempt from council tax for the duration of your PhD. This applies regardless of whether your PhD is funded or self-funded.
Thinking of Applying for a PhD?
Our PhD Applications Service is designed to support you at every stage of the process — from refining your research ideas and identifying suitable supervisors, to understanding funding routes and submitting a strong, credible application.
You’ll work with experienced academics who take the time to understand your background, research interests, and long-term goals. We help you develop a clear research focus, position your proposal competitively, and navigate the practical realities of funded PhD applications in the UK.
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